Last week, we started our series, “Lubricants for Dental Handpieces”. You learned that lubrication is a critical component to the functionality of the dental handpieces in your practice. You also learned about four different areas of interest as it pertains to dental handpiece lubrication. The first area, viscosity, was covered. This week, we will expound on the stability of the lubricant under the pressure or exposure of heat. If you are interested in obtaining lubricants for your dental instruments, or have a need for maintenance and/or repairs, be sure to visit us at Hughes Dental by clicking HERE.
The Stability of the Lubricant
In searching for dental products for your practice, you are sure to find that many items are available which state that they may be used as a heated type of sterilizing fluid or a heated lubricant. A lot of research time has been put into this because a product would need to remain stable at a temperature of 300°F in order to be appropriately used in the dental practice. Unfortunately, most lubricants become extremely volatile at these temperatures, which would mean that they would be ineffective as lubricants for dental instruments, such as handpieces. For example, lubricants that are created from a product that contains petroleum would not be considered ideal; however, there are many synthetic-based lubricants that would be considered appropriate under these immense temperatures.
The Stability Test
A special stability test was performed to test how various lubricants reacted to excessive temperatures. The study was done using a Lindberg-based hot plate at the heating surface. Then, a total of 250 different Erlenmeyer-based flasks were filled with various lubricants. Thermometers were placed in the flasks. Once the temperature of 300°F was reached, it was maintained for a total of 50 hours. The odor of the lubricants and the colors of the lubricants were evaluated before and after the testing. Additionally, any loss of volume was noted.
The Conclusion
Once the study was conducted, it was concluded that lubricants that were made from a mineral oil base were considered to be more suitable lubricants than those that were made from a petroleum oil base. When white-colored oils were used, they displayed the highest level of stability. Additionally, all of the lubricants did, in fact, experience an increase in viscosity. If you are interested in maintaining your dental handpieces and want those dental handpieces to have a long life, it is important that you research both the viscosity of the product as well as the stability of the product. Furthermore, it is best to opt for products that are created from a mineral oil base.
Hughes Dental Lubricants
We have a wide range of lubricants for dental handpieces available at Hughes Dental. You may order the lubricants that you desire directly from us, or, ship your instruments to us and we will lubricant your dental handpieces and ensure that all other working components of the device are operating optimally – the choice is yours! If you would like to learn more about lubricants and how to optimize the functionality of your dental handpieces, call us today at: 800-773-0800
